Sore throat, then congestion: Common Covid symptoms follow a pattern now, doctors say

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25. Yes, as TomSlick says (post #19), there is an unusual taste sensation that most...

...everyone reports. It's like the bitterness from some alcoholic drinks (IPA beer, Campari) except that it hangs on for the entire time you take Paxlovid--plus an additional day, give or take. Also as mentioned by TomSlick, GI upset isn't uncommon. Nausea that is usually mild should be expected as well (the weird metallic taste for six days doesn't help).

Paxlovid is quite helpful in suppressing the virus, however. I tested all the way through a course of Paxlovid (five days), and after the first day, the virus was undetectable on a home test. That's despite the fact that all my previous home tests were lighting up bright blue. There is one other unfortunate side effect of Paxlovid: Covid rebound. After a five-day course of the drug, my home tests started lighting up again. That's not unusual, however, and my understanding is that there is talk about extending the course of treatment to ten days. I just put up with the rebound and didn't bother calling the doctor, as it seemed that five days of Paxlovid dealt a pretty serious blow to the infection and helped me fight it off more effectively. So despite somewhat unpleasant side effects, I would recommend asking a doctor about taking Paxlovid for a Covid infection, particularly if you fall into one or more of the risk groups for Covid complications.